Commencement Information for Students

Eligibility Requirements

Graduate Studies Commencement is held annually in June to celebrate students who complete their degrees during the academic year. Graduate Studies does not host a Fall Commencement Ceremony.

2025 REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN FEBRUARY

Students eligible to participate in the June ceremonies if:

You Advanced to Candidacy
- Candidacy Applications must be submitted to Graduate Studies by April 11, 2025
  OR
You were filed to graduate between June 14, 2024 - June 12, 2025.
- Filing a Thesis or Dissertation
- Completing the Master’s Plan II or MFA

Important 2025 Dates

February 2025	Registration opens
March 3	Regalia rental portal goes live. Regalia is managed through the UC Davis Bookstore, if you have any questions please contact them directly.
April 11 at 5:00 p.m.	Advanced to candidacy forms due to Graduate Studies
April 20 at 8:59 p.m.	Deadline to rent a cap/gown without a late fee. Late fees will start on April 21 through May 20. Regalia is managed through the UC Davis Bookstore, if you have any questions please contact them directly.
May 9 at 11:59 p.m.	Registration closes
Prior to Commencement	Line-up instructions will be emailed
June 12	Commencement line-up begins at 9:00 a.m. for the Masters Ceremony, and 2:00 p.m. for MFA and Doctoral on Hutchinson Field. Masters Ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m., and MFA and Doctoral begins at 3:00 p.m. at the University Credit Union Center (formerly The ARC Pavilion).

Guest Tickets

All registered students will receive up to (8) guest tickets to attend the in-person ceremony. Guest tickets are managed by the Aggie Ticket Box Office. Ticket registration information can be found in the student confirmation email.

Ticket allocation is predetermined based on the anticipated graduate attendance for each ceremony, and capacity of the venue. Likewise, the amount of extra tickets available (if any) for distribution cannot be determined until after the close of registration and final approvals of any late registrations. If you have any questions, please contact the Commencement Coordinator at gradcommencement@ucdavis.edu.

Special Requests or Accommodations

If you are a graduating student and require special accommodations, please notify us as soon as possible by stating your need in the request under the "Special Needs" section of your commencement registration. Two months' notice is needed for a sign language interpreter or if you need assistance crossing the stage. We are able to offer accommodations to students only. Please visit the Student Disability Center for further information.

Ordering Regalia

Academic attire called 'regalia' consists of: a cap, gown, tassel, and hood. You will need to either rent or purchase through UC Davis Stores. Please see UC Davis Stores - Graduation and be sure to choose 'Graduate Studies' on the drop down menu when ordering your regalia.

Students are responsible for acquiring, bringing, and returning their regalia. Gowns and hoods must be returned immediately following the commencement ceremony. Locations for returns will be announced prior to the ceremony. Regalia not returned immediately following the ceremony to the UC Davis Store at the Memorial Union by the first Monday following the ceremony will be assessed a daily late return fee beginning the following Tuesday. Graduate Studies is not responsible for commencement regalia.

Wearing Academic Dress

The cap is worn with the long point of the shell to the rear. The tassel on the master's candidate's cap and the tassel on the doctoral cap is worn to the left, signifying the possession of an academic degree. However, when crossing the stage, please wear the tassel on the right for photographic purposes. Lightweight clothing is usually worn under the gown due to the warm weather. A button-up blouse/shirt is recommended for ease in affixing the hood.

The master's gown is designed with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The sleeve base hangs down in the traditional manner. The rear part of its oblong shape is square-cut and the front part has an arc cut away.
The doctoral gown has velvet facings on its front panels and three velvet chevrons on each sleeve. The University of California authorizes recipients of the doctoral degree earned on any of its campuses to wear an academic gown of admiral blue.
The hood worn by those receiving the master's or doctoral degree hangs to the rear from the neck and is fastened to shirt buttons by an elastic cord. To avoid wearing the hood inside out, make sure that the velvet facing of the hood is visible under the chin and lies flat over the shoulders. Doctoral candidates do not wear their hoods during the line-up and procession. The hoods will be invested on stage by the Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies.